Leaf Processing Manager

JT International•Danville, MO

About The Position

Manage the end-to-end tobacco processing workflow, seeking through planning, monitoring, analysis, and initiatives continuous improvement and balance among the operation's key pillars: EHS, Efficiency, Quality, Innovation, and People. Be responsible for the Cell Lead DMS's (Daily Management System) within the IWS structure.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related fields, plus a specialization in Business or Sustainability.
Extensive experience in manufacturing (preferably related to tobacco processing).
A good knowledge of equipment setup, adjustments, and processes related to tobacco processing is desirable.
Strong communication and writing skills to interact with all levels of the organization, as well as with customers and suppliers.
Experience in process and continuous improvement, including LEAN, TPM, Six Sigma, IWS and structured problem-solving tools.
Experience in project management, stakeholder coordination and governance alignment.
Knowledge of quality, safety, environmental and energy management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, OHSAS 18001).
Experience in budget planning and cost management, with understanding of core business needs.
Proficiency in MS Office tools; knowledge of SAP is an advantage.

Responsibilities

Plan and manage the execution of tobacco processing activities by monitoring and guiding the stages of feeding, conditioning, picking, threshing, drying, packing, quantitative testing, and qualitative inspections. The objective is to meet JTI's requirements for process and product compliance, as well as to address stakeholder expectations by maximizing Operational Efficiency, Product Quality, Production Costs, and Sustainability, while ensuring an organized, safe, and healthy environment for employees.
Ensure that processing equipment is properly inspected, repaired, and maintained during the processing season as well as the off-season, aiming for optimal performance through support to the cell's maintenance team, implementation of new ideas, and adoption of best practices.
Ensure, together with the technical quality management team, that processing meets or exceeds established standards, as well as that any changes or creation of indicators and targets are properly discussed.
Lead and develop the cell team by providing opportunities to promote workplace learning, conducting performance reviews, talent discussions according to internal standards, and providing continuous feedback on performance. Additionally, encourage the achievement of desired objectives and foster a sense of ownership and accountability for their responsibilities and areas of activity.
Monitor and implement operational EHS, Efficiency, and Quality indicators and tests, promoting periodic critical analysis and continuous improvement of results together with the team. Seek balance among these indicators through meetings for root cause analysis and action planning, sharing best practices, standardizing activities, and continuously encouraging innovation, ensuring strong connection among the operational, technical, and engineering areas.
Forecast maintenance, operational, improvement, and investment needs, and be accountable for the department's financial planning, aligned with the local objectives established through the financial exercises (TDT, ASP, LE). Additionally, promote and execute budgets with discipline, challenging new ways of working, technologies, and loss reduction. Lead the DDS cycle as well as the 90-day plan throughout the year.
Manage the planning and execution of manufacturing projects, ensuring that their implementation complies with internal project management practices and that results and achievements are aligned with the established plan (scope, costs, quality, and schedule).
Carry out activities based on risk analyses and assessments of environmental aspects and impacts, following the indicated control measures, reporting new risks and waste, and proposing new solutions. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and collective protective equipment (CPE), comply with safety standards and the “golden rules.”
Lead and encourage team participation in company programs, supporting and ensuring the implementation and consistency of the relevant policies and procedures in daily work routines, disseminating concepts and standards, developing people, delegating responsibilities, monitoring actions, and continuously sharing results, seeking commitment and continuous improvement.